1. How is Nature's Platform different from "toilet footstools" like the Welles Step, the Life Step, the Health Step or the Squatty Potty?

Nature's Platform (below right) uses the natural squatting position, with the body's full weight on the feet. The pelvis is suspended like a cradle. The thighs compress the abdominal cavity, producing a natural laxative effect.

Sitting with your feet elevated (often described as "wishful squatting") is a crude attempt to imitate the natural position. It increases the constricting pressure of the toilet seat, since the body's weight is shifted to the rear. To compress the colon, you have to use the awkward posture pictured below on the left. You still need to hold your breath and push – which is not required when squatting correctly.

Straining in this way is the cause of hemorrhoids, diverticulosis and pelvic organ prolapse. The Israeli physician, Dr. Berko Sikirov, has published clinical research on the use of squatting to cure hemorrhoids. He is quoted in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients (October, 1996) as saying that only genuine squatting, with the body's full weight on the feet, offers any advantage over the conventional sitting position.

Finally, all the benefits of squatting have been identified by studying populations that use the natural position. There is no evidence that sitting with your feet propped up provides similar benefits.

18. Converting the Western World to squat toilets seems impossible. How do you expect our society to make such a radical change?

Even if only 50% of the population can squat today, and even if we only increase the figure by 1% per year, then in 40 years, 90% will be able to squat. Children are the key because almost all children can squat with no problem. Just encourage them to keep doing it. They will retain their ability throughout their lives.

The other key is the medical profession, those responsible for improving health literacy. They can treat the western toilet just like cigarettes: discourage its use by spreading the word about its pernicious effects.

Making this change overnight would certainly be impossible -- but doing it gradually, over decades, is quite feasible.